Ruffer N, Krusche M, Holl-Ulrich K, Kötter I, Lötscher F. [Cocaine-induced vasculitis and mimics of vasculitis].
Z Rheumatol 2023;
82:606-614. [PMID:
35612660 PMCID:
PMC10495486 DOI:
10.1007/s00393-022-01217-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is a psychotropic tropane alkaloid and stimulant drug. Nasal insufflation of cocaine powder is a common route of administration. In Germany, cocaine is frequently adulterated with levamisole, an anthelminthic drug with immunomodulatory effects. Both substances are linked to various autoimmune conditions. Cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions cause a progressive destruction of osteocartilaginous structures within the upper respiratory tract and can mimic localized granulomatosis with polyangiitis. In addition, systemic vasculitis due to cocaine and levamisole has been reported. Differentiation of these conditions from primary vasculitis can be challenging because antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are commonly detected. Early diagnosis of these conditions is crucial as clinical improvement is closely related to drug cessation.
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